Dr. O. Tom Johns, Jr., an orthopedic surgeon whose admiration for athletes was shown through the great care and attention he gave as team doctor for Middle Tennessee State University and Rutherford County Schools, died Sunday after an extended illness. He was 72.
A native of Murfreesboro, Dr. Johns was a fixture on the sidelines of MTSU and high school sports for 40 years, helping scores of young men and women perform to the best of their athletic abilities, grow in character and overcome adversity.
"My favorite place," he once said, "is on any sideline."
Civic and athletic leaders alike praised Dr.